Decreasing Dementia Fatigue
While we think of dementia causing memory loss and confusion, low energy levels are also a common symptom. Increased sleepiness and tiredness could be due to circadian rhythm disorders (late afternoon confusion, sleep disturbances, evening agitation).
Lifestyle changes may help maintain the circadian rhythms established by patterns of light and darkness. Below are tips to increase daytime energy and promote less fatigue for the person with dementia. This is an important issue to address, especially when sleep patterns are disturbed. Your sleep patterns are also affected can lead to chronic fatigue for you!
- Address possible depression. According to John Hopkins, approximately 40-50 percent of people diagnosed with dementia have depression.
- Talk to the doctor if medications are prescribed and assess possible side effects that may cause drowsiness.
- Lack of a balance diet and too many sugary foods can lead to vitamin deficiencies such as vitamins D or B that can cause fatigue.
- Increase exposure to light/sunlight during the day and early evening to help maintain circadian rhythm (UV exposure is the primary method of boosting serum Vitamin D levels)
- Promote positive sleep hygiene. Limit stimulants that promotes wakefulness such coffee, teas, chocolate and soft drinks.
- Increase afternoon activities, but not too close to bedtime.
- Chronic pain is often understated in people living with dementia often because to person may no longer be able to verbalize the pain. For example, does you family member become distress after each meal? Does the person experience chronic heartburn and is it being addressed?
- Avoid heavy meals (may cause GERD), but eat a light snack before bedtime as hunger can keep someone awake.
- Engaging in activities to help minimize napping.
- Limit liquids in the evening to reduce nighttime awakenings
- Keep a regular schedule to main rest and activity levels
- Reduce stress and promote relaxation at bedtime (listen to calming music together, back massage, guided imagery)
- “White noise,” nature sounds such as a gentle rain, and ocean waves may promote sleep.
If you would like more information about our Memory Ministry, our Monday morning Memory Cafe or the Family and Friends Educational Workshops please contact Vicky at vpitner@firstumc.org.